Trump Pushes for a Prolonged Iran Blockade to Press Nuclear Talks

President Donald Trump has reportedly told aides to prepare for a risky, extended blockade of Iran to pressure Tehran into shuttering its nuclear program, backing a three‑phase plan (end the fighting, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, then pursue a nuclear deal) and opting to keep the blockade rather than resume bombing or escalate. Officials warn the conflict could become a drawn‑out, Cold War–style standoff with high oil prices and political risk for Republicans, per The Wall Street Journal and Axios.